Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy Causes

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy results from damage to the basal ganglia of the brain. The basal ganglia is like the brain’s switchboard for interpreting messages between the movement centre and the spinal cord – it is responsible for regulating voluntary movements. The different forms of dyskinesia result from damage to slightly different structures within the basal ganglia.

Dyskinetic movements can be:

Twisting and repetitive movements – known as dystonia

Slow, ‘stormy’ movements – known as athetosis

Dance-like irregular, unpredictable movements – known as chorea.

Dyskinetic movements often co-occur alongside spasticity.

What causes dyskinesia?

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy results from damage to the basal ganglia of the brain. The basal ganglia is like the brain’s switchboard for interpreting messages between the movement centre and the spinal chord – it is responsible for regulating voluntary movements.

The different forms of dyskinesia result from damage to slightly different structures within the basal ganglia.
basal-ganglia-damage-large

Dystonia

Dystonia is characterised by involuntary muscle contractions that result in slow twisting or repetitive movements, or abnormal sustained postures, that are triggered by attempts to move.

Characteristics of dystonia include:

Repetitive and sustained movements

Awkward postures

Movements that are rapid or slow and are often painful

Involuntary movements triggered by attempts at controlled movement

Involuntary movements occur more frequently when the person is tired, anxious, tense or emotional

Pain may also result in an increase in these movements

What part of the body is effected?

Dystonia can be present in only one part of the body, known as focal dystonia, or throughout the whole body, known as generalised dystonia.

Focal dystonia may only occur during a particular movement or task. For example, dystonia in the foot muscles may affect how a person stands on that foot.

Cervical dystonia is another example of a focal dystonia – this is dystonia in the neck muscles which causes the neck to twist, tilt or rotate.

Hemidystonia is where on arm and one leg on the same side of the body are affected by dystonia.

Generalised dystonia refers to dystonic movement that affects both legs and at least one arm, or the trunk in combination with at least one arm or leg. Generalised dystonia can affect mobility as well as cause speech and swallowing difficulties.

Sensory tricks

Some people with dystonia notice that specific sensations and movements, known as ‘sensory tricks’, temporarily suppress their unwanted movements.

Examples of sensory tricks include:

Touching the face or chin with a hand or finger

Resting the back of the head against a wall

Tucking the hand under the chin

Placing the hand behind the back

Some people use these sensory tricks to dampen an unwanted movement in order to prepare their body to make a desired movement.

Associated problems

People with cerebral palsy can also have a range of related conditions or problems, including:

When to seek medical advice

If you are concerned about your child’s development, see your GP. If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children), who can help identify the problem.